Moderator
|
Post by illɘgal on Jan 8, 2023 22:51:18 GMT -7
Bishop was lost in her thoughts as she slowly trudged through the snow. There was something about the silence that allowed her mind to wander, and it never did go to anywhere good. She didn't mind thinking back to her past, but did it always have be those years after her birth herd? Back when Sonya was too young and afraid to do anything to protect the mare. By no means did the blind fem blame her companion for anything that had happened to her, the wolf was the only reason she was still alive today. Bishop could spend lifetimes trying to pay her friend back, and it would never be enough in her eyes.
They were moving slowly, the morning sun finally breaking through the hazy winter day to bring about some warmth. Sonya stayed close to her side, which gave Bishop the impression that the terrain must not be as smooth as they had been in her recent travels. She also found herself becoming winded, which, unfortunately, did happen fairly frequently since the blind mare didn't exactly run very often. After all, it was hard for the canine to direct her safely if they were both in all out sprints. Since Bishop was born blind, she didn't have the ability to miss that type of luxury. She sometimes felt a tug of jealousy when other equines would comment on the landscape, especially the colors. She had no concept of what they were talking about, and it usually resulted in an awkward shift in conversation.
Bishop was used to it. She was never offended when other people politely removed themselves from conversation, or when they suddenly ran out of things to talk about other than the weather. From her experience, most equines just don't run into disabilities very often. They treat the mare like she was made of glass, and that was the only frustrating part for her. If she was that breakable, the back mare would have shattered a long time ago. But she was still here.
After a particularly steep hill, Bishop finally came to a halt. The timber wolf came to sit against her legs and panted heavily. The pair was tired and deserved a break. How long had they been walking for?
TAGGED: Sunfrost with Saniyya! WORDS: 377 NOTES: Rambley post is rambley
|
|
|
She/Her/Hers
|
1,143 posts
|
points
|
|
|
|
|
|
Versai
|
Post by Sunfrost on Feb 11, 2023 14:32:40 GMT -7
Saniyya was out on her usual patrol route. She’d decided that today, being a nice day but very cold and snowy, she’d stay within the bounds of Amaravati and enjoy some time among her herd members in her herdland. She was also still reeling from the latest Versai meeting. Her Sisters had both seemed to accept their impending retirements and given her the mantle of High Priestess to wear. Sani still wasn’t sure how or if she could bear the weight. Being High Priestess of the Versai…it had seemed like a dream, an ambition, and it had come seemingly far too soon. Sani had only been Versai for two years, since she had been three, and she basically had spent almost half her life serving the Sisterhood. She was trying to do good, trying to improve the Versai name. Sani could only hope she would succeed. Trinity and Aurora were preparing for Xovad and Seren to take over for them. She’d spoken at length with Seren, but not with Xovad. That would have to change. Sani wanted to know her future Sister and Brother inside and out. Together, they would be united, strong, and a force for good. That was her dream.
Thoughts of her dream were interrupted, however, by two unfamiliar scents on the breeze. Sani felt her heart rate jam into overdrive as one scent caused her to stand on end and tremble with anticipation – wolf. Wolves meant Helkaer. Adrenaline pumping, Sani took off, cantering in the direction of the scent. There were only two scents, so perhaps this was a small scouting party. She would make them wish they had never stepped foot in Amaravati. The Rocky Mountain Horse crested the hills, cantering towards the pair. She saw a mare, dark hued, a wolf at her hooves. They both seemed tired, if the sound of their panting breaths was anything to go by. Amaravati was exhausting – Sani thought of it as a great defense against any who would seek to harm her lands. Skidding to a halt, Sani decided that she would get right down to business and try to warn this pair off her lands, if they indeed were with the Helkaer.
You are in Amaravati, stranger she hailed, her tone slightly cool but maintaining a veneer of professionalism. I see you have a wolf companion. Are you with the Helkaer? She set her hooves, maintaining some lightness in them, preparing to dodge if so. Two on one combat was inherently unfair, but she would go down fighting against an invasion of her lands, if this was what that was.
tagged// illɘgal notes// Thank you for your patience as I work through my thread backlog haha. Sani coming in hot with the wrong impression. She'll calm down after this, I promise! <3
horse: venomxbaby.deviantart.com
|
|
Moderator
|
Post by illɘgal on Feb 26, 2023 1:38:56 GMT -7
It was not often that Bishop ever doubted Sonya, but where had the canine taken her? She had struggled up the steep terrain and through the snow, but the wolf had kept striding forward as if she had a place in mind. Of course, the dark mare didn't ask - just trusted her friend to take of her like she had for several years. But this adventure had been a little extreme. Was Sonya trying to get the fae to exercise more? Obviously she couldn't see herself, but she would assume that she would have noticed any weight gain. The mare decided that when she caught her breath, she would ask Sonya what was her plan was.
Bishop felt her heart finally stop racing when the wolf at her hocks released a low rumble. It appeared that her questions would have to wait. She stood taller as the sound of hoof beats approaching filled her ears, and she turned her black crown in the direction of the sound. The canine hadn't stood up yet, and Bishop took that as a sign that she didn't need to be immediately concerned. Nonetheless, the mare grew wary as the other advanced towards them.
The other equine halted fairly quickly, making the dark mare's harks snap back in discomfort, despite the fact that the scent was female. You are in Amaravati, stranger. I see you have a wolf companion. Are you with the Helkaer? Bishop nearly flinched at the fem's tone and Sonya acted accordingly, finally standing and letting her growl grow louder. What was a Helkaer? Just from the way the word sounded, Bishop decided she didn't like being associated with them. She lowered her head slightly in reproach, and an nervous expression crossed her features. "I apologize for trespassing, we were only out for some exercise," she said the last word with a grimace and gently pushed the wolf to be silent.
"I am not sure what the Helkaer are, but my companion is my eyes since mine haven't exactly worked since birth." Bishop spoke honestly, her tone growing more sure. With a forced smile, she turned her head more fully towards the other mare. "We can leave if you'd like, we didn't know we crossed any boundaries."
TAGGED: Sunfrost WORDS: 375 TIMELINES: winter, after meeting Brienne NOTES: <3
|
|
|
She/Her/Hers
|
1,143 posts
|
points
|
|
|
|
|
|
Versai
|
Post by Sunfrost on May 14, 2023 11:40:43 GMT -7
The pair in front of her reacted most appropriately to Sani’s admittedly hostile exchange with them – the wolf growled, and the stranger mare seemed uncomfortable. That alone made Sani think perhaps they weren’t Helkaer, or that they were particularly good actors. This conversation would help her divine which choice this was. The mare lowered her head, appearing nervous as she apologized for trespassing and claimed she was only out for exercise. She grimaced then, nudging her wolf as though in reproach for the wolf’s growl. She then commented that she had no idea who the Helkaer were, but that her companion was her eyes as she couldn’t see. Oh. Sani flinched despite herself, unable to stop the wave of shame that crashed through her. Here was a mare who was blind, with a wolf companion who acted as her eyes, and Sani had taken one look and assumed they were Helkaer.
Sani knew well what it felt like to have a disability of some sort – she’d only just started to be able to speak in full sentences after one year with the Versai, post-cleansing. Sani didn’t know how she would have been able to handle things as High Priestess if she hadn’t overcome her disorder, but also was self-aware enough to acknowledge that she was lucky to have been able to overcome it. This mare before her, with blindness, would never be able to overcome her affliction, but was lucky enough to have a companion who could for her. That was a gift, something to be treasured and admired. Sani found herself deflating, especially as the mare offered to leave if Sani would like them to. I’m sorry the Versai neighed, her tone regretful. I shouldn’t have made an assumption based off of your companion. She paused, then added I am Luna, High Priestess of the Versai. Wolves are associated with the Helkaer, who stand for principles the Versai do not agree with. We are enemies. As far as she knew, anyway, and she didn’t see that status quo changing anytime soon. She also hoped the explanation would help stave off some of the tension that may have arisen from how the conversation started.
You are fine to stay if you would like she added, not willing to kick the mare out of her lands entirely. Do you have a home? Are you new to Wild Equines? There was a chance the mare may not even know what she meant by “Versai”, given her unfamiliarity with the Helkaer. Sani could at least do the service of explaining things to this mare so that she went back out into the world better informed – it was always worthwhile to know where to expect tensions. And if the mare had no home to go back to…Sani was always willing to add additional members to her small herd. Given the Versai’s reputation, not many occupied her lands. Sani would change that, if she could.
tagged// illɘgal notes// Thank you again for your patience, this slipped in my tracker somehow <3
horse: venomxbaby.deviantart.com
|
|
Moderator
|
Post by illɘgal on May 21, 2023 19:21:29 GMT -7
Bishop took in the momentary silence from the other mare with a flick of her ear, wondering what she was thinking. It wasn't often that the black wished that she could see now that she was getting older, but it would be nice to read facial expressions. Instead, the fem could only guess what was going through the other's mind. She had nothing to go off but the quiet, and the fact that the wolf had stopped growling. Perhaps that was a good sign for now.
She exhaled softly at the soft apology, nearly feeling guilty for the tone she heard in the other equine's words. Bishop hadn't meant to make her feel bad, she was just providing an explanation. Though she was curious what she meant in reference to Sonya. What did the wolf have to do with anything? The Thoroughbred mix bit back her questions for now, not wanting to come across too naive or maybe even make the stranger uncomfortable. I am Luna. High Priestess of the Versai. Wolves are associated with the Helkaer, who stand for principles the Versai do not agree with. We are enemies. Well, that answered that question.
Sonya huffed softly, nudging against the dark mare's legs before settling back down. Bishop's smile was inviting and curious, those milky eyes trying to pinpoint where exactly Luna was. It is nice to meet you, Luna. I am Bishop and this is Sonya. There are no apologies needed, one can never be too safe. I can only assume that being a High Priestess comes with many responsibilities, including protecting your people. She gestured to the wolf at her feet, Sometimes it is better to assume that a predator is indeed that, rather than be sorry later.
Bishop was momentarily taken aback by the invitation to stay, not entirely sure if the offer was extended purely out of pity. She had experienced that enough in her life, and she certainly didn't want to be offered a home under misguided obligation for potentially offended her. While a large part of the five year old didn't actually think that was the case, it was still a concern she felt in the back of her mind. Last time she was given a home out of pity, things hadn't exactly ended very well and it left both females broken and alone for a long time.
But the Versai mare didn't seem like the others. At least, Sonya didn't react like she was. Bishop was still wary putting the pair's lives in someone else's hands. She focused back on Luna's questions with a slow shake of her head. I do not have a home at the moment, and I am indeed new around here. While I would like to accept your invitation, I hope you are not offended that I would like to know more about you, a small smile crossed her lips. Especially since I do not know what the Versai or Helkaer are, and the idea of setting down roots in a lands with some apparently dangerous enemies is not exactly appealing for someone who cannot see. I cannot be a type of patrol or guard, I could potentially be a liability.
TAGGED: Sunfrost WORDS: 500+ TIMELINE: winter, after meeting Brienne NOTES: <33
|
|
|
She/Her/Hers
|
1,143 posts
|
points
|
|
|
|
|
|
Versai
|
Post by Sunfrost on Jul 31, 2023 7:02:37 GMT -7
This stranger seemed perfectly nice, which made Sani feel a bit worse as she listened to her speak. She introduced herself as Bishop, and her wolf companion as Sonya, and reassured that no apologies were needed as she knew safety was important. She acknowledged that Sani’s position likely meant she had to protect many horses. Sani would have nodded in agreement, but knew that Bishop would not have seen the nod. She would verbally express her agreement later. Bishop concluded her introduction by stating that it would be better to assume that a predator is indeed that, rather than be sorry later. Sani smiled, neighing Indeed – regardless, however, I am sorry for the hostile way I treated you initially. Thank you for understanding. And it was a good lesson to the Versai mare to never judge solely based on appearance as well.
Sani had slipped out an invitation to the mare to stay – sometimes horses wandering around were desperate for homes. She would usually take the initial month or so to judge them and see if they were something nefarious, like spies for the Helkaer, before offering a permanent place. Spies always immediately accepted an invitation without questioning it. This mare made Sani relax further, though, when she responded evenly and diplomatically that while she was new, she’d rather know a bit more about Sani first before accepting. That was…reassuring, that Bishop and Sonya were indeed who they portrayed themselves as and not Helkaer spies. Of course. Ask me anything she replied, her tones a fraction warmer than before. She couldn’t help but approve of the mare’s more cautious approach. It showed maturity, and it was all delivered to respectfully and diplomatically. The mare explained that she did not know who the Versai or Helkaer were, and she wanted to ensure the lands she set roots down in were not unsafe, especially given her blindness and how she could potentially be a liability.
The Helkaer and the Versai are diametrically opposed she explained, deciding to start with that. Simplistically, the Helkaer are of the Dark alliance and the Versai are of the Light. Realistically, the Helkaer favor chaos and the Versai favor what I would call the opposite of chaos – peace and order. The Helkaer would rather set fire to the world – literally. The Versai have the power to call the rains to put out that fire…or cause a flood of our own. She wondered if the mare would be fascinated or horrified by the fact that Sani had admitted to Afterlife abilities to her. The Versai are honestly still discovering ourselves. While the Helkaer are typically murderers who favor destruction and chaos, the Versai when I joined had just committed a murder. I’ve spent my time with them redeeming ourselves however I can, focusing on justice and saving others. It’s been…hard. However, we’ve largely been left alone lately, while the Underworld and Utopia wage a war among themselves. I have not declared for either side. It is…complicated. Sani decided she would shut up and leave it at that for now, given it was likely a whole lot of information to drink in. Sorry. I know that was a lot…do you have any questions?
tagged// illɘgal notes// Thanks as always for your patience <3
horse: venomxbaby.deviantart.com
|
|
Moderator
|
Post by illɘgal on Aug 27, 2023 19:43:32 GMT -7
Even though Luna sounded apologetic, the black mare was worried that her explanation of who Sonya was wouldn't be enough. It was well within the priestess's right to demand that she leave, and Bishop was worried that statement was coming even after the invitation to stay had been issued. It was sweet of the fem to offer them a home and shelter, but the dark fem was still nervous that the offer was only surface level. Even as the Versai entertained her questions, Bishop was unsure.
The Thoroughbred mix settled in as Luna began to answer her questions. She could only assume that she wasn't going to be able to learn everything in one simple meeting, but hopefully today she can learn enough. As she listened to the description of the Helkaer, Bishop could understand why the land owner had been concerned. Why would anyone favor chaos and destruction? That's just not a reasonable way of living. Always being on edge, never respected, only feared. Wouldn't that be... exhausting? The Helkaer would rather set fire to the world – literally. The Versai have the power to call the rains to put out that fire…or cause a flood of our own. That made the blind fem focus back in, dusky eyes turning towards the other mare. Powers... fires... flood. What did that even mean? A strange metaphor?
For now, Bishop kept her mouth shut and tucked down the questions. Besides, it would be rude to interrupt. While the Helkaer are typically murderers who favor destruction and chaos, the Versai when I joined had just committed a murder. Murder? That was... certainly an interesting way to maintain peace. Regardless of the reason, wouldn't that make the Versai just as bad as the Helkaer? Bishop slowly grew more unsure the longer Luna spoke, especially when she mentioned the war between Utopia and the Underworld. Were those more factions that did the same things but under different causes?
Sorry. I know that was a lot…do you have any questions? Boy, did she. But where to begin without offended the priestess? Milky eyes shifted to the wolf at her feet for a moment while she gathered her thoughts with a sigh. That is... a lot. I do have questions, I'm just not sure where to start or how to... politely ask. Her skull turned to Luna and decided it was better to jump right in. If the Versai are determined to maintain peace and order, how can they justify murder? Doesn't that bring them down to the same level as the Helkaer? An ear flicked to display how uncomfortable she was. To clarify, I'm not judging anyone's actions, Luna. I just want to understand.
She shuffled uncomfortably, remembering another question she had. You said.. Powers. Are you referring to some sort of magic? She thought back to the fairy tales she had heard parents tell their children late at night to help them sleep. I also wasn't aware there was a war going on. Utopia and the Underworld.. is that similar to heaven and hell? I thought those were a myth. Bishop had more questions for Luna, but she was even more worried that she had offended the mare with all her inquiries so far.
TAGGED: Sunfrost WORDS: 500+ TIMELINE: winter, after meeting Brienne NOTES: Sorry for the wait, love!
|
|
|
She/Her/Hers
|
1,143 posts
|
points
|
|
|
|
|
|
Versai
|
Post by Sunfrost on Sept 29, 2023 6:14:45 GMT -7
Sani knew everything she had said was a lot, so she wasn’t surprised when it took the mare a few moments to gather her thoughts. When she did, Sani let a small smile flit onto her face as Bishop agreed that it had been a lot to parse through, and she had a lot of questions to ask – some of them, apparently maybe not as politely, due to the difficulty of doing so. Sani nodded, not particularly caring if the questions were rude or not. She’d grown a thicker skin ever since she’d had her speech impediment when she was younger, and joining the Versai had only made it thicker. Speaking of impediments, Sani remembered that Bishop could not see, so vocally and hurriedly voiced Please ask away hopefully soon enough for the silence to not have been too awkward.
The silver dapple black listened as Bishop asked first how the Versai could have justified murder, and whether or not that brought them down to the same level as the Helkaer. She quickly added that she wasn’t meaning to judge anyone, but just wanted to understand. It was a fair question, and Saniyya voiced as much. You’re right to ask that. I believe it is the motivation that is different. The Helkaer will do what they want for the sake of power. To my understanding, the Versai before me committed the murder because they thought they were saving the horse who came to us, or entered our lands. They tried to cleanse him. Memories of what she had seen firsthand from Xerxes’s experience of the event blurred behind her silver eyes. Seeing and experiencing that had changed Sani’s opinion of the affair, that was for sure. Whereas before she thought it was justified and the horse targeted by the cleansing too weak, now she thought the Versai had badly misjudged the situation. Sani had committed then and there that as long as she was part of the Versai, and especially since her ascension to High Priestess, no cleansing would be forced.
Cleansing is what the Versai do to convert a horse from Dark to Light she explained, wrenching herself from her thoughts. I’ve undergone it myself. The horse who was killed did not wish to be cleansed. This was before my time…and it was wrong. As High Priestess, I will ensure it never happens again to one unwilling. Her voice grew stronger, more vehement, as she voiced this. She would die before letting a forced cleansing occur. Sani listened as Bishop asked next about Sani’s powers and about the war between Utopia and the Underworld. I guess it is magic of a sort…we drink from a pool and gain the power to call the rains from it. That is all I know Sani explained. It was irritating to not know more, but it also was as it was. And yes, those are exactly as heaven and hell. Their disagreement goes beyond mere philosophy into some way that Lady Rasa of Utopia personally slighted Lord Xerxes of the Underworld, or the reverse. Whatever the case, they are at war now, and many mortals have gotten involved. She paused, then added I have not, nor do I intend, to get involved.
tagged// illɘgal <3
horse: venomxbaby.deviantart.com
|
|
Moderator
|
Post by illɘgal on Oct 15, 2023 21:14:14 GMT -7
The anxiety that the black mare was feeling continued to snowball the more she talked. Rarely did she wish she could see, but this was one of those moments. Bishop wished she could see how Luna reacted to her questions. Though the priestess was quick to encourage her to ask questions, the blind mare was nervous to do so. There were so many things she didn't understand and was painfully aware of her naivety towards the dynamics of these lands. All she wanted was safety and security for herself and Sonya, and she was becoming worried that they wouldn't be able to find it.
As Bishop spoke, her companion continued to lean against her in encouragement. Her words may have been steady, but internally her nerves were eating at her. Especially while she waited for Luna's response. The mare fought back a sigh of relief when the priestess's tone didn't sound offended. You’re right to ask that. I believe it is the motivation that is different. The Helkaer will do what they want for the sake of power. To my understanding, the Versai before me committed the murder because they thought they were saving the horse who came to us, or entered our lands. They tried to cleanse him. Bishop felt a little better as she interpreted Luna's words to mean that she wasn't involved in the murder. As the friendly mare continued, her assumption was confirmed. The Thoroughbred mix was surprised that Luna herself had undergone a cleansing and now had risen to be a part of the Versai herself. She let herself digest that and hold off the dozens more questions that threatened to escape for now.
When the conversation turned towards the powers that some of these horses held and the war that was ongoing, she nearly forgot about the dangerous cleansings. I guess it is magic of a sort…we drink from a pool and gain the power to call the rains from it. That is all I know. Drinking from a pool, summoning rains (or she supposed fire, in the case of the Helkaer) did sound like something from fairytales. She found a little comfort that Luna didn't understand it either. That comfort grew when she learned that the priestess had decided to stay out of the war between heaven and hell. Bishop offered a small smile. I do not want to be involved in the war, either. As you said, mortals are involved. That is much different than immortals fighting each other. I do not have a desire to die, nor do I think that Sonya and I would be much help. She trailed off thoughtfully, trying to choose her words carefully. It is admirable that you are changing how... cleansings are carried out. Something that drastic and apparently dangerous should be a choice. Though I am not sure I understand the reasoning behind changing someone from Dark to Light, especially against their will. How does changing who someone is down to their core help achieve peace and order? I can only assume that being Light or Dark is not as black and white as "good and evil".
Bishop's words this time were more sure than before, the curiosity clear in her tones. If you don't mind me asking, why did you choose to go through a cleansing, Luna?
TAGGED: Sunfrost WORDS: 500+ TIMELINE: winter, after meeting Brienne NOTES: <3
|
|
|
She/Her/Hers
|
1,143 posts
|
points
|
|
|
|
|
|
Versai
|
Post by Sunfrost on Oct 21, 2023 9:44:23 GMT -7
Sani felt confident as she answered Bishop’s questions, but she also kept a keen eye on her to see how she reacted to those answers. The silver dapple black imagined it must be really strange to hear about these things for the first time – otherworldly powers from the Afterlife, different factions and sides, sworn enemies and war. It was a lot to take in. The High Priestess felt confident that her answers were satisfactory, though – this was among her first times explaining all of this to a stranger, and in the position that she now held to boot. Sani especially noted the small smile Bishop offered to her as she discussed staying out of the war. There were a lot of strong opinions, to say the least, on the war throughout Wild Equines, and staying out of it was not seen as favorably by some.
Bishop confirmed the meaning of her smile – she did not wish to be involved in the war, either, and had no desire to die. With every question Bishop asked, Sani learned more of her intentions. This mare was searching for a place of safety and respite, removed from the war. Sani hoped Amaravati could be the kind of place others could turn to for safety. The Versai hadn’t been viewed as safe in so long that Sani sometimes thought their reputation was permanently tarnished. Sani noticed the way Bishop’s words trailed off, as though she was thinking hard about saying something. She braced herself for whatever it might be, and listened carefully as Bishop remarked that it was admirable that Sani wanted to change how cleansings worked, how it should be a choice, but that she didn’t understand the meaning of changing someone from Dark to Light. It shouldn’t be something viewed in black and white.
Sani nodded, knowing Bishop couldn’t see it but somehow needing to so she could confirm her own thoughts to herself. It was a fair question, one she had been asking a lot lately as her tenure with the Versai grew over time. Bishop then asked as well why she had chosen to go through a cleansing. I don’t mind she responded automatically, but her tone now was carefully neutral. This mare was asking her to share something personal, and this could be the beginnings of establishing actual trust between them. Sani hadn’t talked about her reasons to be cleansed to anyone, ever. Bishop was the first mare who had ever asked. I used to have a speech defect she began. I couldn’t form complete sentences with words. I was in the Dark Kingdom by chance, and a horse started to make fun of me for my words. That wasn’t anything new, but what was new was the audience we got. A mare tried to convince me to fight back, physically, instead of just ignoring what was said. And for once…I got the urge to do exactly that. I felt…violent.
Sani still remembered it, the Darkness of those thoughts slithering through her brain. It didn’t feel right, it didn’t feel like me, so I went to the High Priestess of the Versai and asked to be cleansed. I thought the cleansing would help rid me of those thoughts, manage them better, and not act on the impulse to inflict violence. It had worked, too – and she had joined the Versai as a member almost immediately afterward. It is not a process I would wish on someone who didn’t choose it she added, her words a bit quieter this time. Cleansings were hard, but worthwhile, as long as it was done at the behest of the cleansed one and not by force. Sani saw that now, though when she initially joined the Versai she hadn’t had this opinion.
tagged// illɘgal <3
horse: venomxbaby.deviantart.com
|
|
Moderator
|
Post by illɘgal on Jan 27, 2024 19:09:42 GMT -7
While Bishop genuinely enjoyed learning about this potential new home, she was worried that she would cross unknown boundaries with Luna. The other mare had been very forthcoming in her answers, but ultimately, the two had only just met. Given the implications behind the cleansings and how dangerous they could be, the dark fem couldn't resist asking. She wouldn't have been offended or upset if the priestess opted not to answer and she was pleasantly surprised that she had agreed to share her story. Bishop didn't miss the tone change and fought not to rescind her inquiry. The last thing she intended to was upset the Versai member. Her anxiety spiked again, causing Sonya to gently press a cold nose to her leg as the pair quietly waited for Luna to take her time.
As Bishop listened, she could imagine the pain and shame Luna must have felt. She might not have personally experienced the verbal bullying but physical was something the mare was familiar with. The exclusion, whispers, and later abandonment due to her blindness was a pain she hoped she wouldn't experience again. She could understand the priestess having those violent urges; Bishop was always too shy for that, though she did have small moments when she was very little.
When Luna finished, Bishop gave her a shy smile. I don't blame you, and it appeared to work if you chose the path of the Versai for yourself. I imagine that was a difficult decision and you were very brave. She had more questions but didn't want to push Luna any further. There would be plenty of time to pick her brain or others' later. Thank you for sharing your story with me and answering all my questions. Her smile grew as she felt Sonya whine softly and step toward the other mare. We would like to stay here and continue to learn more, as well as help you with anything you and the Versai may need.
TAGGED: Sunfrost WORDS: 300+ TIMELINE: winter, after meeting Brienne NOTES: So sorry for the wait, I absolutely love this thread!!
|
|
|
She/Her/Hers
|
1,143 posts
|
points
|
|
|
|
|
|
Versai
|
Post by Sunfrost on Mar 29, 2024 17:16:45 GMT -7
Saniyya wasn’t really sure what she expected Bishop to say in response to her story. All friendships started with trust, and trust came from sharing vulnerabilities. Sani was sharing one now, one that could contradict her image as the strong and sure leader of the Versai, but she felt it necessary to answer this mare’s questions. It was simply the right thing to do. She listened, ears perked, as Bishop responded to her story. Bishop claimed that Sani’s choices had been brave. Brave? she neighed, surprised despite herself. She had never been told that her ‘origin story’, if it could be called that, was brave. She’d just assumed it was a story, and that was it. It was her life. But to hear that to someone else, it could be something brave…despite herself, Sani felt a degree of warmth towards Bishop now, who was rapidly becoming less of a stranger with each passing second.
The Versai High Priestess listened as Bishop thanked her for sharing her story. She heard a sound – the wolf, Sonya, stepped towards her. Was that good or bad? Sani was good at non-verbal body language reading, but not for non-equine creatures. She looked away, towards Bishop, as the other mare spoke again. Bishop claimed that she wanted to stay in Amaravati and learn more, as well as help out with anything she or the Versai might need. Sani blinked. Had she really heard Bishop correctly? This mare, who Sani had boldly accused of being a Helkaer the minute she’d crossed the border, wanted to stay? You want to stay? she neighed, verifying, trying and failing to hide her disbelief. I…would be honored if you decided to stay here. You can have a home here for as long as you need. Both of you she added, nodding towards Sonya with a smile and hoping the wolf understood her sentiments.
Sani wasn’t sure if Bishop would choose to stay permanently, but the fact that she was choosing to stay at all was enough. She felt more than ever before the responsibility she had towards her herd, both old members and new, to protect them and ensure they had a good quality of life no matter what was going on. She would do her best by Bishop, and maybe that would be enough. And she would try her best to stay out of the war, unless something happened to draw her in, and hopefully she’d have the herd’s support in joining if something indeed did happen.
tagged// illɘgal notes// Ack it's so bad, I'm sorry.
horse: venomxbaby.deviantart.com
|
|